Osteonecrosis of the jaw in bisphosphonate-treated patients

Description: Sharon Liberali, BDS (Adel), DClinDent (FICD, FPFA, FRACDS) of Adelaide Dental Hospital, Adelaide, Australia, emphasises the importance of dentists during multiple myeloma (MM) patients’ preparation for autologous stem cell transplantation. Dr. Liberali explains that patients treated with bisphosphonates are at significant risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw, (ONJ), with the risk increasing particularly around dental extractions. She mentions the importance of examining patients before they start bisphosphonate treatment, in order to provide any necessary dental extractions. Dr. Liberali also notes that in many cases, patients may not have visited the dentist for a very long time and may have several fragile teeth. Therefore it is important they receive a comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, in order to identify any potential problematic teeth during the treatment, leading up to the autologous stem cell transplant. A treatment may include: extractions, hygiene treatments and periodontal care and other routine dental treatments. Recorded at the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC) and International Society of Ocular Oncology (ISOO) 2016 Annual Meeting on Supportive Care in Cancer held in Adelaide, Australia.